Have you ever heard of a person who has been subject to a lot of injustice in life and has done nothing about it?

Well, I have. And honestly, whenever I hear about them, I get furious! Don’t they have any self-respect? Do they not care about their life and what happens to them? Why can’t they use their voice to speak up for themselves?

No one will speak up for you if you don’t do it yourself. And this doesn’t only go for speaking up for the wrongdoings done to you, but also to make your voice heard about your opinions, thoughts and ideas.

I know that my voice matters. My voice and ideas can benefit the world and this goes for each and every person living on this Earth. Even if you can make a tiny difference, it’s worth it.

In one of his poems, Faiz Ahmed Faiz has written:

“Speak, this brief hour is long enough

Before the death of body and tongue:

Speak, ‘cause the truth is not dead yet,

Speak, speak, whatever you must speak.”

In Pakistan, many people think that women should not be heard or speak up for themselves, because they would be considered very bold and what would people think of them and their family. But this is wrong.

Every year, unethical things happen with girls and even boys, such cases are increasing. But the victims don’t speak up and therefore don’t get justice, because they are embarrassed and ashamed. There is nothing embarrassing in raising your voice for yourself and others. Getting justice would not only help you, but also other people who could have been a victim if you hadn’t spoken up against the injustice.

Racial, religious, ethnic and personal differences are increasing, and no one tries to stop them because no one speaks up. How can we blame someone for hating us when they don’t know the truth and we don’t tell them? It’s also our fault, because we don’t speak for ourselves and those who do, don’t garner the support of even their own family and community.

Malala said, “I raise up my voice — not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard… we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.”

I want to speak up for people who don’t have a voice, those people who aren’t heard, because my voice is precious to me and is one of my greatest strengths.

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 8th, 2022